Foreign Ministry: Georgia sends note to Russia

Georgia has sent a note to Russian Federation in connection with a visit of Russian president Vladimir Putin to Georgia's breakaway region. The note was conveyed through the representatives of Switzerland, Georgian Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze told journalist on Monday. President Putin visited Abkhazia on Sunday. He met with the head of breakaway Abkhazia republic Alexander Ankvab in Pitsunda. The celebrations take place in Abkhazia in connection with the 5th anniversary of its recognition by Russian Federation.

"We unambiguously condemn this visit, as this fact is another infringement of Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty," Panjikidze stressed.

Large scale military action was launched in South Ossetia on August 8, 2008. Later, Russian troops occupied Tskhinvali and expelled the Georgian military.

Russia recognised the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia in late August. In response, Tbilisi ended diplomatic relations with Moscow and has called the two unrecognised republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia occupied territories.